writing

Advice and Updates to My Teenage Self From My 31- and 40-Year-Old Self

I was digging through some old notes a few weeks ago and came across two lists I wrote back in 2014. I labeled the first as “some of the things I would love to tell teenagers today,” but if I’m being honest with myself, it’s a list of things I wish I could have gone back in time to tell myself when I was younger. The second is simply labeled “I don’t have all the answers,” and I think it’s a list I made thinking about my present and possible future.

I was 31 at the time I wrote these lists and wanted to share them, along with some thoughts in bold.

Reflections on Self-Discovery Through Daily Journaling and Morning Pages

This past Sunday, I was asked to participate in a collage service at my Unitarian Universalist church all about daily habits and practices. A collage service is when a few people are asked to provide a reflection on a single topic.

Even though I've only been going to this church for about 9 months, I found my ideas about religion and spirituality fit in quite nicely with the principles of UU, especially the 4th Principle — the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

What Do YOU Need to Hear Right Now? - EOL004

Ever wake up wanting to talk to someone and have them tell you everything is going to be alright? If words of affirmation are your love language, you may know exactly what I'm talking about.

Since losing a friend earlier this year, I've been finding a lot of comfort thinking about what she might say if she were still with us. She was so supportive of everyone in our friend circle, and she could be counted on to hype anyone up if they needed it. I picture her enthusiastic smile and how she would probably say something like, "Emily, stop spending so much time being sad and go live your life happily! Enjoy your kids, make more podcasts, and write another book already!"